Michigan Celebrates the 37th Annual Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society and the Michigan Department of Community Health are marking the 37th Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

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By Michigan Department of Community Health (Press release)

Ionia Sentinel - Standard-Ionia, MI

By Michigan Department of Community Health (Press release)

Posted Nov. 15, 2012 at 1:08 AM
Updated Nov 15, 2012 at 1:16 AM

By Michigan Department of Community Health (Press release)

Posted Nov. 15, 2012 at 1:08 AM
Updated Nov 15, 2012 at 1:16 AM

LANSING, Mich.

The American Cancer Society and the Michigan Department of Community Health are marking the 37th Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Michigan, yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23.3 percent of adult Michiganders still use tobacco. However, more than half of tobacco users have tried to quit for at least one day during the past year. Because tobacco products are highly addictive, most users make several quit attempts before they are successful.

"I highly encourage all smokers who are considering quitting to participate in the Great American Smokeout by making a plan to quit smoking, even if past attempts to quit have been unsuccessful," said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH. "While it may be hard or take a few tries, quitting smoking is one of the very best things that you can do for your health."

Research shows that while quitting is difficult for most tobacco users, people who use tobacco can increase their success in quitting with help. Quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, including resources such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self-help materials, and a strong support network of family and friends. Resources available to Michigan residents include:

The MDCH Tobacco Quitline, (800) 784-8669, continues to provide free telephone coaching for the uninsured and those with Medicaid and Medicare, and free nicotine replacement medications for those who qualify. Information about quitting smoking and a free printable Michigan Smoker's Quit Kit are available through MDCH by visiting www.michigan.gov/tobacco.

BecomeAnEX.org is a free, interactive website that shows smokers how to re-learn life without cigarettes. The site, developed by Legacy in partnership with Mayo Clinic, offers a free, personalized quit plan and an online support community to help people prepare to quit and stay quit.

The American Cancer Society has tools available to help kick the habit. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.

For more information about the Great American Smokeout, visit www.michigan.gov/tobacco or call the toll-free number for the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345. Information also is available on the American Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.org.